Abstract
Aim: To study the prognostic potential of haemoglobine (Hgb)-, platelet (Plt)- and white blood cell (WBC) levels at time of diagnosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Background: The search for prognostic and predictive biomarkers in NSCLC is intense. With an increasing number of targeted agents available the present focus is on the genetics of the tumour. However, a majority of all patients lack genetic markers that favour targeted therapies. Thus the need for basic prognostic factors to optimise the treatment for each individual patient is essential
Methods: 833 NSCLC patients, stage I-IV were included in the study. WBC, Plt, Hgb, gender, age at diagnosis, stage, surgery and first-line chemotherapy were studied in relation to overall survival.
Results: For patients with Hgb <110g/L and Hgb >110g/L the median survival was 11.2 and 14.5 months respectively (p=0.0032). For WBC >9.0×109/L and <9.0×109/L the median survival was 11.6 and 15.4 months respectively (p<0.0001). For Plt >350×109/L and <350×109/L the median survival was 11.2 and 14.9 months respectively (p<0.0001). For patients with no pathology in the studied markers compared to those with pathological results in all three markers the median survival were 16.0 and 8.0 months respectively (p<0.0001).
Conclusions: The level of the three studied biomarkers corresponds significantly to outcome. A trend for worsened prognosis is shown when combinations of two pathological markers are present. With all three biomarkers pathological the median survival is halved compared to the group with normal levels. The results are important for the decisions regarding treatment choice and intensity.
- © 2011 ERS
